Industrial Automation Magazine India

FPT Industrial brings energy independence to the World Biogas Expo 2022

Published on : Monday 27-06-2022

FPT Industrial paves the way for farmers energy independence at the World Biogas Expo 2022, the worlds leading trade show dedicated to the biogas industry.

June 2022 – At World Biogas Expo 2022, FPT Industrial showcased its solution for Power Generation fuelled by renewable resources: the Smart Hybrid Hub, the world’s first variable speed low-pressure natural gas, hybrid, multi-mode, genset concept entirely by FPT Industrial.

Visitors were able to see “inside” the genset concept and, through the LED walls, follow the full cycle from agricultural production, through electricity generation right up to its use on or outside the farm. The concept is based on the first F28 variable-speed, low-pressure biomethane engine for power generation, with all the fuel deriving from anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste and cattle slurry. The engine is coupled to an FPT Industrial Hybrid Control Management system, featuring an open configuration with batteries and inverter equivalent circuit, depending on the mission profile.

“Our aim is to create a virtuous, sustainable, carbon-net-zero cycle, to allow ‘energy independence’ for farmers,” says Andrea Ercolino, Product Portfolio & Marketing Manager Power Generation at FPT Industrial, “as well as to generate additional revenue opportunities deriving from sales of surplus biomethane.”

In addition to fuelling the genset, the biomethane produced on site can even be used to fuel natural gas-powered tractors and commercial vehicles such as lorries and trucks, while the surplus of both electricity and biogas can be fed into the national grid.

In addition to fuelling the genset, the biomethane produced on site can even be used to fuel natural gas-powered tractors and commercial vehicles such as lorries and trucks, while the surplus of both electricity and biogas can be fed into the national grid. FPT Industrial’s partner in this project is Bennamann Ltd., a fast-growing British agricultural technology company in the field of clean energy, specialised in the supply and production of ‘better than zero carbon’ biomethane sourced from fugitive emissions of decomposing organic wastes, including farm manure slurry.

Speaking at the Expo, Bennamann’s Co-founder, Chairman and CTO Chris Mann said “We are proud to be partnering with FPT Industrial to deliver our shared vision of energy independent farming. The Smart Hybrid Hub completes the Bennamann Technology Chain enabling our end-to-end solution from fugitive methane capture, through processing into vehicle grade biomethane, and delivery of fuel, electricity and heat to the farm.” On receiving the ‘Highly Commended’ for the AD Circular Solutions award at the show, Chris added “as the ‘new kids on the block’, we were delighted to receive this recognition, which is underpinned by our strong partnerships making scale-up of energy independent farming possible and so exciting, watch this space!”